Ellen DeGeneres, Neil Patrick Harris
and Kelly Ripa are among the celebrities supporting CNN anchor
Anderson Cooper on coming out gay.
The 45-year-old Cooper
discussed his sexual orientation for the first time in a lengthy
e-mail published Monday on Andrew Sullivan's blog The Dish,
which is hosted by The Daily Beast.
“The fact is, I'm gay, always have
been, always will be, and I couldn't be any more happy, comfortable
with myself, and proud,” Cooper wrote.
Ellen DeGeneres, whose 1997 declaration
that she's gay on the cover of Time magazine stunted her
career, tweeted: “I'm proud of you, @AndersonCooper.”
(Related: Ellen
DeGeneres 15 years after coming out gay episode: Still waiting for
puppy.)
“Very proud of @AndersonCooper,”
two-time Olympian Johnny Weir messaged. “I recently shared an
airplane ride with him and he smells of baby powder and sunshine.
Well done sir.”
Kelly Ripa, who has previously enlisted
Cooper to serve as co-host on Live! with Kelly, added: “So
proud of you @andersoncooper. Always have been, always will be.”
“Good for you, @AndersonCooper,”
messaged Neil Patrick Harris, who
is raising two children with his partner. “You're awesome.”